At least 971 Nigerians were abducted nationwide in October 2024, according to information obtained by reporter.
This report comes as a new terror group, known as ‘Lakurawa,’ emerges in the country’s northwest.
The figures are part of the ‘October 2024 Nigeria Security Report’ released by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited (BSIL), a security and intelligence consulting firm, and shared with reporter on Tuesday.
The report highlighted a decline in security indicators related to incidents, kidnappings, and deaths across the country, warning that the escalating figures suggest 2024 could be the worst year for security in nearly a decade.
It noted that the month in question was largely characterized by violent events, including killings and ransom kidnappings primarily conducted by non-state armed groups (NSAGs), criminal organizations, cults, and armed ethnic militias. Additionally, social unrest, such as protests and labor strikes, was driven by severe socio-economic conditions and political developments.
The security firm disclosed that data gathered showed a 51% increase in fatalities and a 24.42% rise in abductions across the country.
According to a detailed analysis by BEACON INTEL, Nigeria experienced 861 security incidents between October 1 and October 31, 2024. Of these, 64.92% (559) were linked to security threats, 24.79% (215) involved operations by security forces, and 4.99% (43) were related to safety incidents.
During the month in question, 1,545 fatalities were reported nationwide, with 67.70% being civilian deaths, 25.89% involving criminals or non-state armed groups (NSAGs), and 6.40% attributed to security forces. Additionally, 971 people were abducted.
Regionally, the North East and North West were the hardest hit by security incidents, making up 52.03% of all cases. Meanwhile, the South East experienced the fewest incidents, accounting for just 7.78%.
The number of abductions rose from 807 in September 2024 to 971 in October 2024, reflecting a 20.32% increase and reversing the 11.03% decrease observed in September.
The report noted that the North West was most affected, with 83.83% of all abductions occurring in this region, while the South West recorded the fewest, at 0.21%.
Of the total individuals abducted, 954 (98.25%) were from Northern Nigeria, whereas Southern Nigeria accounted for just 17 (1.75%). He said.
